The L-159 B Alca is a two-seat version of the subsonic jet trainer used by the Czech Air Force since 2001 and produced by Aero Vodochody, the manufacturer which started its military jet program in the ´50s with licensed production of MiG-15 followed by the supersonic MiG-19 and MiG-21 along with its own subsonic jet trainer program of L-29 Dolphin in the ´60s, L-39 Albatros from the ´70s thru the ´80s and L-159 Alca in the ´90s and after 2000. The manufacturer also managed to develop Ae 270 Ibis, a multi-purpose and small utility single engine turboprop aircraft program during the ´90s and early 2000s though the production remains on hold with six prototypes produced for test flights only as in 2013.
This video is a compilation of Alca´s four succeeding flights proving a unique low flying and other top edge flight characteristics as performed by the test pilots taking their turns to use their experience and show their skills.
The Alca (Advanced Light Combat Aircraft) distinguishes itself from its legendary predecessor, the L-39 Albatros, by an overall superb performance, though the nose shape of the "old good" Albatros seems to be an unbeatable feature for many jet enthusiasts for sure (Alca´s got its nose´ swell to accommodate new avionics there). Total of 72 Alcas has been produced only, 28 out of them in use by the Czech Air Force while a deal with Draken International, a Lakeland, FL based company, involving 28 Alcas and about USD 22mil in total is looming in 2014.
Wingspan: 31ft 3in (9,54m)
Lenght: 41 ft (12,72m)
Max Weight: 17.637 lb (8.000 kgs)
Max Speed: 505 KTAS (936 km/h)
Powerplant: Turbofan Engine Honeywell F-124-GA-100, thrust 28kN (6.280 lb)
Max Structural Limits: +8g / -4g